New Chapin AD looks to carry on Eagles traditions
Chapin high school hires Billie Williams as Athletic Director after retirement of longtime AD Ronnie Wessinger.
By WORTHY EVANS
HSSR Contributing Writer
Columbia - With the retirement of longtime AD Ronnie Wessinger, Chapin looked from within to find his successor in Billie Williams.
Williams, the assistant cheerleading coach to Vicki Williams, her mother, has taught at Chapin for the been at Chapin for the past 16 years and served in many capacities. In addition to teaching social studies, she has also served as the student activities coordinator, student government sponsor and Key Club sponsor. Now she will put her effort into continuing make Chapin a great place for student athletes.
“High school athletics have always held a special place in my heart because of the unique opportunity they provide to create lasting, positive experiences for students,” Williams said. “I felt called to take this next step so I could dedicate my full energy to enhancing the Athletic experience for both our student-athletes and our coaching staff.”
At the top of the list is evaluating facility needs across all programs and building new systems for communication, support, and recognition.
“That includes a renewed partnership with our amazing Chapin Eagle Club, an enhanced social media presence, and consistent recognition of both athletes and coaches,” Williams said.
One of the last hires that Wessinger was the hiring of Ryan Cole as head coach in 2024. Cole succeeded Justin Gentry, who had coached the Eagles since 2010 and saw the program’s growth from the 3A to the 5A classification. Cole was an assistant coach under both Gentry and longtime Eagles coach Eddie Muldrow and has a wealth of Chapin experience as well as football experience.
The Eagles finished 6-6 with a 1-4 record in the grinding Region 4-5A that includes 5A powers Dutch Fork and Irmo, up-and-coming White Knoll, and competitive programs in Lexington and River Bluff.
“Coach Ryan Cole has done a tremendous job leading our varsity football program. I am looking forward to watching him lead his team for his second season,” Williams said. “He brings great energy, experience, and a clear vision for building a competitive and character-driven team. His leadership is setting the tone not just for football, but for the high standards we want across all our athletic programs. I’m excited to support him and the rest of our coaching staff as we head into a new season.”
Another hire was Terrance Jones, who took the boys basketball head coaching job in April, replacing Chad Boland. Jones led Denmark-Olar to the 1A state championship, a 20-5 record and a Region 4-1A championship last winter.
“Terrance Jones brings a strong commitment to developing athletes on and off the field, and I’m excited to see the impact he’ll have on our program,” Williams said.
Williams and Chapin is working on a successor to longtime baseball coach Scott McLeod.
Mcleod retired after another successful season last spring. McLeod led the Eagles for 31 years, seeing the program grow from 2A to 5A. He won 557 games, 12 region titles, and state championships in 1996, 2001, 2002, and 2008.
As the summer winds down and the school year cranks up, Williams said she is excited to get down to the business of seeing to athletes, coaches, parents, and the Chapin community.
“I naturally believe students are at the center of everything we do. At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids, developing them not just as athletes, but as people,” Williams said. “That mindset will influence every decision I make as I step into the role as Athletic Director. My goal is to continue to create an environment where our student-athletes feel supported, seen, and proud to represent Chapin High School. Whether it’s improving facilities, enhancing recognition, or making sure every team has what they need, my goal is to keep the student experience at the center of our work.”
